Sensory Hypersensitivity After Brain Injury: (I) From Assessment to Intervention - Assessment and conceptual framework

Sensory hypersensitivity, meaning an increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli, is a prevalent complaint after acquired brain injury (ABI) and can have a substantial impact on daily functioning and quality of life. In these webinars, we provide an introduction to sensory hypersensitivity after ABI, including its clinical presentation, diagnostic assessment, and underlying mechanisms. We also discuss current treatment options and practical approaches to supporting people who experience sensory hypersensitivity.

This session will focus on the assessment of sensory hypersensitivity in individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI). We will explore available assessment approaches and clinical observations and introduce a theoretical model that may help structure understanding of sensory processing difficulties. Both conceptual discussion and practical application in clinical settings will be addressed.

There will be 4 sessions to hypersensitivity after brain injury. Each session can be booked individually. Every session will cover both theory and clinical practice. Please check out our website.

26.02.2027 (II) From Assessment to Intervention - Psychoeducation and cognitive mechanisms; Dr. M.Sc. Hella Thielen & M.Sc. Jasmijn Heijman, Online

19.03.2027 (III) From Assessment to Intervention - Stress and mindfulness-based approaches; M.Sc. Nora Tuts & Dr. M.Sc. Marilien Marzolla, Online

23.04.2027 (IV) From Assessment to Intervention - Anxiety, coping, and exposurebased Approaches; M.Sc. Nora Tuts & M.Sc. Jasmijn Heijman, Online

References (more will be included in the sessions):

Thielen H, Tuts N, Welkenhuyzen L, Huenges Wajer IMC, Lafosse C, Gillebert CR. Sensory sensitivity after acquired brain injury: A systematic review. J Neuropsychol. 2023 Mar;17(1):1-31. doi: 10.1111/jnp.12284. Epub 2022 Jun 30. PMID: 35773750.

Heijman, J. O., Marzolla, M. C., Thielen, H., K, S., Königs, M., Gillebert, C., Van Heugten, C., Van der Stoep, N., & Huenges Wajer, I. (2026). A Neuropsychological Perspective of Sensory Hypersensitivity after Acquired Brain Injury. [Manuscipt accepted for publication].

Speaker:

Dr. Marilien Marzolla is a researcher and lecturer at Maastricht University. She has extensive experience in clinical neuropsychological research and has worked with diverse groups of individuals with acquired brain injury. Following her time in Oxford, where she conducted research on treatments for motor impairments in stroke patients, she completed her PhD at Maastricht University in collaboration with the Limburg Brain Injury Centre. Her research focuses on sensory hypersensitivity, as well as individual differences in this, both in people with acquired brain injury and in the general population. She investigates the factors that explain why some individuals experience sensory overload and sensitivity while others do not, and she is actively involved in initiatives aimed at improving treatment approaches and increasing awareness and education on this topic. Marilien Marzolla | LinkedIn

Dr. Hella Thielen is a clinical neuropsychologist and postdoctoral researcher. She works at Revarte Rehabilitation Hospital Leuven, where she conducts neuropsychological assessment and counselling for adults living with acquired brain injury (ABI). Alongside her clinical role, she holds a position as a postdoctoral researcher at KU Leuven, where her work centres on sensory hypersensitivity and fatigue following ABI.  Her doctoral research laid the groundwork for this line of inquiry, focusing on the assessment and underlying mechanisms of sensory hypersensitivity after ABI. She also serves as assistant academic staff at KU Leuven, contributing to the training of the next generation of researchers and clinicians in her field. Hella Thielen | LinkedIn